The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• The thermal pools are extensive and only open to hotel guests, meaning they're less crowded, and you'll get a bit more privacy.
• You can enjoy your meals at one of the two on-site eateries, one of which is situated on the hotel's top floor and features a terrace overlooking the volcano. 
• Enjoy breakfast each morning at the property's main restaurant and grab light snacks or drinks at one of the bars, including a swim-up bar in the main pool area.
• The hotel is more accessible than other choices in the area, providing elevator service to all floors.

Cons

• Plan to hire a car if you'd like to get into town or visit the area's sites, as it takes about five minutes to drive to La Fortuna. 
• If you're traveling with younger kids, keep in mind that the property enforces a minimum age of 16 years old.
• You'll need to make a reservation in advance to use the gym.

Additional Notes From Brittany

From the outside, The Royal Corin looks like any other hotel, but once you step inside, you'll find a relaxing and upscale resort. The little details struck me the most: Upon arrival, the staff hands you a welcoming cocktail and cool towel, and there are also mosaic tiles in the hallways and locally produced lotions in the lobby. After witnessing the views of Arenal Volcano, the contemporary styling, and the incredible spa, I understand why the hotel attracts guests celebrating special occasions.

Authenticity

The Royal Corin knows how to balance authentic Costa Rica with a contemporary hotel experience. You'll enjoy all the conveniences you'd expect (and then some), all with genuine details paying homage to the country, like local art, food, products, and decor. The spa takes it further and offers treatments using local and natural ingredients (like coffee and fruit extracts), plus an outdoor volcanic steam room. 

Location

You'll be just off the main road that runs through La Fortuna, set back a bit and surrounded by jungle vegetation. There's plenty to enjoy at the property, but if you want to explore the area, you'll need a car or transfer. However, everything is just a short drive away, with downtown La Fortuna just five minutes, the national park only 20 minutes, and La Fortuna Waterfall about 10 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll have your choice of suites and deluxe rooms, with those on the lower floors offering two queen beds and units on the top floors with one king bed. All are bright and modern, providing air-conditioning, minifridges, and a balcony or terrace with volcano views. Suites are perfect for couples, as they feature in-room Jacuzzi tubs with TVs. 

Wildlife

While the hotel has beautifully manicured grounds, they're not the kind of forest reserve setting you see at some other hotels and resorts in the area, ideal for on-site wildlife viewing. Travelers have spotted hummingbirds, iguanas, and howler monkeys hanging around the property. Still, you'll probably need to get off-site for a chance to see a more diverse selection of wildlife. 

Amenities

The outdoor steam room is truly unique, as it hovers above the thermal water, so your steam comes directly from the thermal waters. You can also enjoy two naturally warm pools, a coldwater pool, two hot pools ranging from 93-104°F (39°C), and six thermal pools in the garden area, complete with waterfalls, hydro massage, and a river connecting them. There's elevator access to all rooms, which can be hard to find in Costa Rica, making this a very friendly property for guests with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

The Royal Corin is an adults-only resort and won't work for most families. The minimum age is 16 years old, which may work for families with older teenagers, though be aware that the hotel doesn't have any amenities catering to young guests. 

Other Highlights

Lava Restaurant is the main dining option at the hotel, serving all three meals, but make sure to save time for dinner at Emperador Restaurant, a top-floor evening-only tapas lounge with a terrace overlooking Arenal Volcano. On the weekends, the terrace also hosts live music acts. 

Sustainability

The hotel partners with two local nonprofits. One donates $2 per room per night to improve the livelihood of local communities, and the other matches dogs to new owners. That's right, you could adopt a dog while in Costa Rica, and the hotel will help you with all the details! Additionally, The Royal Corin has an extensive list of sustainability initiatives, including water and energy-saving measures, recycling programs, and a special effort to upcycle used linens.